Quiberon France

Quiberon is the port where ferries will take you to the Belle Ile and other islands in the Golfe du Morbihan, and it is situated at the end of a 14km peninsula south of Carnac.

The port itself has a lively atmosphere and the coastline is rugged and wild on the ocean side, and has sheltered sandy beaches on the eastern side. This stretch of sand, called the Grande Plage, is lined with cafes, restaurants, a mini golf course and a park along the seafront, but further inland there is little of interest to the tourist.

The rue de Verdun leading from the gare SNCF to the port is a good spot for shopping for clothes or antiques. At the Port Maria on the southern tip you will find the gare maritime, where boats take you to the islands or bring in fish, notably sardines.

There are around fourteen campsites along this stretch of coast, such as the Camping de Conguel (02 97 50 19 11) southeast of the town centre. Hotel rooms in Quiberon are difficult to obtain for two reasons: most hotels are closed from November to April, and absolutely packed in July and August. The Port Maria is a good spot for hotels. Try the Hotel Restaurant Au Bon Acceuil at 6 quai d Houat (02 97 50 07 92) which has sea views and a good, welcoming restaurant for €30 40 per room, or at number 4 Le Neptune is slightly more upmarket (€55 70) and all the rooms have sea views. L'Océan has no restaurant, at 7 quai de l'Océan (02 97 50 07 58) but attractive and reasonable rooms at €40 55.

Again, the Port Maria is the place to wander in the evening in order to find a restaurant. Numerous seafood restaurants clamour for the attention of passersby, especially those who have worked up an appetite out on the pleasure boats, or the ferry passengers. You may be asked to take half board at your hotel, which is fine, but if you do venture out then try the seafood at De la Criée at 11 quai de l'Océan, with a €14 menu, or the Café du Marché near the bathing beach for a change of scene and old fashioned ambience.